Dental Bridge Cost

How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?

A dental bridge is permanently fixed in place to span a gap created by at least one missing tooth. Most involve three to four teeth -- one or two false teeth to fill the gap, plus either crowns or metal wings that attach the false teeth to the anchor teeth (also called abutment teeth) on either side of the gap.

Typical costs:

A Maryland (or resin-bonded) bridge typically costs about $250-$550 for each wing and $600-$1,200 per false tooth, or a $1,100-$2,300 for one false tooth with two metal wings and $1,700-$3,500 with two false teeth. Maryland bridges require less shaving of the anchor teeth and with care typically last four to eight years.

Traditional or cantilever bridges are usually priced based on the number of teeth (units) involved; a three-unit bridge to fill the gap created by a single missing tooth uses one false tooth and two anchoring crowns. Depending on the materials[1] used (porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-metal or all-ceramic), traditional or cantilever bridges can cost $500-$3,000 or more per unit, or $1,500-$6,000 or more total for a three-unit bridge; but they average about $700-$1,500 per unit or $2,100-$4,500 for a three-unit bridge. A four-unit bridge (two false teeth, two anchor crowns) can cost $2,000-$12,000 or more. Traditional or cantilever bridges typically last five to 15 years.

Two to six dental implants topped with a partial or full-mouth bridge can cost $3,500-$30,000 or more, depending on number of implants, bridge size and materials, and any other needed procedures (like extractions, bone grafts or tissue grafts). CostHelper readers report paying $4,000-$16,000 for a three- or four-unit bridge attached to two implants, at an average cost of $8,486.

Dental insurance might cover up to 50% of the cost of a dental bridge, but many dental plans have an annual limit (typically $1,000-$2,000). For example, the University of Iowa offers its employees a Delta Dental[2] plan with a $25-$75 deductible and 50% coinsurance rate for dental bridges, with up to $1,000 covered per calendar year. However, most dental insurance policies either have a clause that specifically says the company will not pay for replacing a tooth that was missing before the coverage started or a clause saying the policy has to be in effect for a specific period of time (such as two years) before it covers these replacement procedures.

A traditional or cantilever bridge typically requires two appointments, plus follow-up visits to check bite and fit. At the first appointment, the dentist typically removes some of the enamel from the anchor teeth to make room for the crowns, makes an impression of the patient's teeth and then installs a temporary bridge. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which manufacturers the bridge. At the second appointment the dentist removes the temporary bridge and installs and adjusts the permanent bridge. WebMD.com provides an overview of dental bridges[3] .

A Maryland bridge also typically requires two appointments, plus any follow-up visits. In the first appointment the dentist prepares the area (including slightly grinding the back of the anchor teeth), makes an impression of the patient's teeth and installs a temporary bridge. At the second appointment the dentist installs the permanent bridge. An implant-supported bridge has several phases, starting with the installation of the implants. The process can take three months to a year or more, including healing time.

Discounts:

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has tips for finding low-cost dental care[4] .

Dental school clinics[5] offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.

If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists. Or search for local members of the American Dental Association[7] , the American College of Prosthodontists[8] (specialists in restoration work) or the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry[9] .

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

10 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures Before the HolidaysWith reunions and other get-togethers scheduled during the holiday season, most people want to look their best at this time of year. For some, that means filling in those wrinkles with a bit of botox, or having a nip and tuck down here and there. || Posted November 23 2013

I went for 11 visits at 1000 dollars a visit roughly. For 4 months. I temporary that broke. It’s a 4 tooth bridge glued to 2 very shallow and small teeth. No metal brace. Well it just fell out after less then 2 years. But to make it worst this dentist will not see me to fix it. Because he said I owe him 1,500$ more but I have an itemized bill that it’s paid in full. I don’t have the money to glue it or if he even did the work I was charged for. I saved for a long time to get my teeth fixed. Depressed

I had a bridge for 40 years that broke and in the end with additional age I needed a 10-tooth bridge. When in China I could get it done for $6,000usd. Here in the Philippines I just got started on it for 200.00 per tooth. Only way I could afford was doing it here or have full false teeth plate. I fee this is a steal if you compare to usa price of $30,000.

i thought he gave me a deal but when i went in he put the bridge on it felt great but he said not a good fit ill only charge you 475 to mold a new one i trusted him but when he put the new one in i knew it was tight and told him he said thats good to aline your teeth i waited two weeks in pain called him when my teeth cracked and he told me not my problem

I needed extensive dental work done my wife being from Peru suggested that I get my dental work done here at first I was very skeptical but the doctors are very professional altogether I've gotten for extractions 17 cavities filled and two bridges, And about 4 a root canal's The amount of work that I've gotten done should've cost me $25-$30,000 in United States altogether I have spent at the most $2000 , I have a lot more self-confidence with having all my teeth fixed . 032 threads cost me $120 in Peru Vs $3500 in the us.

Considering implant #2 but after reading comments and experiences of other patients, I'm wondering if I should just go with extraction and do nothing further. Does extraction cause further loss of bone w/o further implant or bridge? Loss of bone is a concern.

I use to love my teeth (an all on 4 screwed in option that a wonderful doctor and Prosthodontist Dr. Kurt Metzler did years ago. But have since had other regular dentists destroy his good work with their greed and un-knowledge.(Most dentists and lab techs don't have the slightest idea how teeth are suppose to be angled - leaving patients miserable.) My question is, my current situation is so bad, I've come to the conclusion of suicide. Where (I don't care what state it's in or Mexico) but WHERE can I find a decent full arch/screw retained dentist who isn't going to take me for a fool (cuz' I already have all abutments) and make 2 full arches for the absolute cheapest amount of money??? I will travel wherever I have to go to escape this hell. And, my only other requirement is that they can bring front teeth down way below gum-line. I need somebody who's willing to EARN what we pay for. PLEASE HELP...

Bridge looks great but top right big tooth caught bottom natural tooth on day 2 and was chipped-dentist shaved tooth smooth to remove chip and sent me on my way, and now 2 years later and 3 fillings latter to fix front side chipping of same tooth-the filling has failed again! Was told fillings would hold tight to porcelain bridge, but doesn't seem to be true. Filling fails with no pressure or impact, simply brushing bridge is sufficient to knock it loose??

I have not had the work completed yet, but the quote I was give for 19 extractions, 16 implants and a fixed dental implant bridge (that would most likely need tweaked within 10-15 years, if not fully replaced) was between $50,000-$75,000, depending upon the materials used for the bridge (acrylic vs porcelain, and type of implants/metal used in final bridge). I have terrible genetics where it pertains to dental issues, and in addition...a hormonal imbalance that causes cyclical swelling, making the potential of wearing a regular denture...an impossibility. Does anyone have a reasonable suggestion on where I could go to have this work exceptionally well, and for A LOT less?

Went in for cleaning. X-ray showed infected tooth. Tooth was pulled right then. While I was still in the chair, dentist told me I should have bridge put in, that I did not have to wait for socket to heal, that she should start bridge prep right then, did not tell me what total cost was until support teeth were ground down. That was 4 months ago. Am unhappy with bridge, twice had to return because dental cement had been left in gap over false tooth, causing pain. Now continue to have pain & have to return. I think bite is off; she didn't fit the bite properly to begin with. Also unhappy with quality (lab) of bridge construction -- bottoms of teeth are almost flat, and inner surface of one tooth crowds tongue.

I need to get the work completed. Do you know of any dental office in d.c. that would finish my work for 500.00 I paid 900.00 out of pocket already. My balance is 1000.00. My insurance paid, I think 2500.00 I do not have a 1000.00 to get the work completed.

I just had 12 extractions and full, upper and lower permanent bridges put in and I couldn't be happier. No screws like implants. You have to have strong anchor teeth to qualify. Just like having your own teeth.

I will have two bridges installed which include deep cleaning, x-rays and professional workmanship provided by the best dental clinic in the world. The highest technology is used. I have been to this dentist many times before. Each procedure for implants etc. is done by a specialist. The cost for the above procedure is around $2000. Stop getting ripped off by the American health establishment and visit a dentist that truly cares about you and the results.

Just received a quote. $1,300/tooth. I have had my original bridge for 28 years and now I am experiencing some resorbtion. Dentist states that I do not have much bone left. I do not have any pain. I need to get a tooth pulled and gums built up.

Five years ago I had 4 lower front teeth pulled for a partial bridge/denture and the two on either side ground down for crowns to fit the whole aperture in my bottom arch. I am now 59 years old and naturally in the aging process one's gums recede. As did mine. On the two teeth ground down and fitted with crowns and holding the whole bridge in place. Come to find out, those two teeth with the recession of gum tissue beneath the crowns have so decayed below where any tooth enamel exists that I was told this year, I would lose that bridge as the teeth will simply fall out, having decayed to the point that the roots will not hold these crowned teeth. Who knew? And why wasn't this possibility (read probability) ever explained to me? I would have opted for implants then as that is what I'm up against now. I'm thinking of going for a lower arch denture with mini-implants IF my jaw can support this kind of implant. I hope.

I had a Maryland Bridge cemented in on my front tooth in 1984. It lasted until 2011 and would still be there if the car door had not hit me square in the front tooth and knocked it out. Since then, has been recemented in 5 times and just won't stay. Dentists states I need a new bridge. I think he should figure out a way to keep this one in my head as 5800 bucks is too much money for ONE tooth. He claims will make it stronger by anchoring the metal wing to two teeth on either side instead of one. Never had an issue. He doesn't re etch the metal and that is my issue I think. Ugh..don't know what to do cause husband out of work and broke.

I have a tooth missing on both sides of my mouth, #5 and #12 at the front. Last week (12/13/12) the dentist shaved down the teeth in front of and behind each missing tooth and I have temporary bridges in place now. On 12/28, I go back to get the permanent bridges and I'm hopeful that the lab put in "butt margins" so I won't have to deal with ugly black lines around my gums.
I'll start saving now because I know I may have to have these bridges either replaced or removed within 5 years.

We spent $15,000 on 4 implants for my mother and the jaw pain never went away. I know they work for some people, but they don't for all no matter what you hear. So we had to have them removed and 6 months later she is still healing, and $15,000 OUT THE DOOR. Some peoples jaws don't do well with screws in them. Be aware some implants may last only 10 to 20 years, while longer in others. Implants based on my experience are either great, or just another expensive problem like us reeling from losing $15,000 on them.

Every dentist I have had thinks they have the perfect fix, meaning whatever the previous one had done, needs to be redone. As it turns out, the new fix is just as flawed as the previous. I have been spending the last 15 years in the dentist chair. Once one problem is fixed and paid for, a new problem arises. I live paranoid, at the dentist's mercy because I work in Sales and missing teeth are not an option.

Five years ago I had two bridges made for the top teeth. I paid $15,000 plus whatever my insurance covered. The fit was perfect when he cemented them in but I've always noticed that when chewing on my right side in the back, I could feel pressure in the front as though it wants to pop off. Last week I bit on a popcorn kernel and since then I feel pain when cold air or food hits my front tooth. I just hope that the entire bridge doesn't have to come out to make the repair.

Had tooth removed 20 years ago and decided no bridge and yes some lateral tooth movement but not noticable and I chew on left side more than right but I spent $0 and I had no other teeth to grind down and loss them later to decay or bridges to replace. Dentist are great salesman with only facts to scare you into treatments

I had a 3-unit bridge put in 30 years ago. One of the teeth under the bridge got decayed and I had to have it pulled this month. I now have 2 missing teeth and must decide on getting another bridge and gridding down another tooth or two implants. The cost of the implants 4,000 each the bridge 3400.00 but the problem is If I go with the bridge I will still have no tooth in the back of my mouth. If I go with the implant one of the spaces will need a bone graft build up. Or do both at cost of 7500.00. Undecided.

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Power WashingPaid: 280.00Highly recommended.Jerry came and gave a free estimate. They pressure washed my walkway and driveway which is nice size and patio area. Did a fantastic job... [more]

Extraction & Bone graftPaid: 4200.0012 teeth (upper) extracted. Felt pain of every tooth being pulled. Worse Dental experience ever. Had Novocain and Laughing gas. Told dentists I was in pain and she just kept shooting more Novocain into my gums. Told a total of 5 hours... [more]